Self-aligning handling or storing device having side or top actuation and methods of use therefor

ABSTRACT

A device for handling or storing items uses jaw members that hinge to one of several closed positions in which the inner surface of a first jaw is engaged by an engagement device of the second jaw. An external release member in the second jaw is used to move the engagement device between an engaging and a disengaged position. The second jaw also incorporates a retaining surface, positioned opposite the outer surface of the first jaw when the jaws are closed, which opposes outward flexing of said first jaw member, and thus reduces the opportunity for disengagement due to forces from inside the jaws.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/883,826filed Sep. 16, 2010, which is a divisional of Ser. No. 12/038,514 filedFeb. 27, 2008, both of which are related to U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,729,872 and6,101,684, each naming the same inventor as the present application, allof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to devices for capturing items, such asfor handling or storage of electrical cords or cables or otherapplications.

BACKGROUND

Handling and/or storage of items has presented numerous challenges, anddespite the various handling and storage devices that have been devised,several problems continue to be difficult to resolve.

One example is the problem of storage of electrical cords or cables.Many people tend to leave their cords simply in a pile. Such an approachis unsightly and can be unsafe. Indeed, without better organization ofthe cords, storage can become a nightmare. One need only consider the PClaptop user trying to untangle the mess of cables from the briefcase ina busy airport.

Typically, wire-ties, tie wraps, cable ties, or twist-ties may be usedto store cords in an effort to reduce such problems. However, such itemsare very difficult to use and require a great deal of manual dexterity.In particular, closing these ties around the bundled cord is quitechallenging because the ends are free to go wherever they are pushed.Some of those items, and particularly twist-ties such as are used toclose garbage bags, are unsightly, have only a short useful life, andcan present a risk of injury due to the metal wire contained therein.Other cable management devices have been proposed, but they are usuallyquite bulky and again require a great deal of manipulation. By way ofexample, some cable management devices are molded into a split ring withthe ends normally urged together. The ends may be temporarily held apartby the user while a cable is inserted into the device. Such a device isdifficult to load with the bundled wire because the ends are normallyurged together into a closed or nearly-closed position. The ends may betemporarily held apart by the user while a cable is inserted into thedevice. Such a device is difficult to load with the bundled wire becausethe ends are normally urged together into a closed or nearly-closedposition.

When not attached to a cable or wire, a small wire tie or similar deviceis easy to lose. Also, such devices are typically designed for limiteduse, e.g., they cannot be non-destructively removed, or will experiencesubstantial wear (e.g., metal fatigue) if repeatedly opened and closed.Thus, one cannot avoid losing a twist tie or wire tie by attaching it tothe unbundled cable, since doing so will require destruction or damageto the twist tie or wire tie. This is a particular drawback in storageof cables which must be repeatedly bundled and unbundled, e.g.,extension cords used with hand tools, portable computer cabling, andother similar applications.

Aside from bundles of wires, in various other situations, objects mustbe wrapped and held for storage, handling or other reasons; often wireties, twist ties, or lengths of string are used in such situation, withunsatisfactory results for the same reasons as those noted above:difficulty in use, likelihood of loss, and destruction and wearresulting from repeated use.

Recent patents by the present inventor, Ser. Nos. 5,729,872 and6,101,684, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety,have improved upon the situation described above by introducinghandcuff-like elements having a pair of jaws that can self-sustain anopen position while a bundled item is inserted, and then the jaws followa fixed path or trajectory to close and latch around the bundled item.These devices are unlatched by generally pulling against a forcegenerated by a living hinge or spring that keeps the two jaws engaged attheir latching ends. This pulling action can be difficult andinconvenient depending upon the orientation, size, and location of thebundle. The person using the existing devices may have to locate andorient their bundles in a way that can accommodate the needed access forunlatching even though they would prefer a different orientation orlocation.

Recent U.S. Pat. No. 6,742,223 shows an alternative bundling devicehaving a first jaw with a tooth on its interior surface, that is matableto a second jaw having a plurality of outwardly-facing teeth. Springforce tends to pivot the first jaw's tooth into engagement with thesecond jaw. This device seeks to provide an alternate engagement thatdoes not have teeth on the exterior surface; however, the device has thedrawback that pressure from the interior of the device (such as mightoccur with a bundle that is tightly bound, or in the event a bundle isdropped or manipulated) tends to press the first jaw outwards and maycause the jaws to release from each other.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that can be released with adifferent motion and/or direction than is currently available withoutsuffering the drawbacks noted above.

There is also a need for a device that is usable on a very small bundle,such as the wires leading to ear buds for portable entertainmentdevices. Ear buds, need only use a very small device since ear buds usea very thin wire. Devices such as those of U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,729,872 and6,101,684 could benefit the user of ear buds if they could be made invery small sizes, but their unlatching actions tend to limit how smallthey can go and still be easily used by the human hand. Therefor, adifferent unlatching action, able to be used when incorporated into asmall device, is a desirable improvement.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention features a device for handling or storingitems using jaw members that hinge to one of several closed positions,in which one jaw is engaged by an engagement device of the other, and anexternal release member is used to move the engagement device between anengaging and a disengaged position.

In another aspect, the invention features a device with hinged jaws inwhich the inner surface of a first jaw is engaged by an engagementdevice of the second jaw, in which the second jaw also incorporates aretaining surface, positioned opposite the outer surface of the firstjaw when the jaws are closed, which opposes outward flexing of saidfirst jaw member, and thus reduces the opportunity for disengagement dueto forces from inside the jaws.

The detailed embodiments disclosed herein include a number of specificfeatures, which although not necessary to the inventive aspects, mayfacilitate the implementation thereof. For example, teeth may be used inthe engagement surface and the engagement device. A moveable member andcam may be used in the engagement device, the moveable member beingactuated from the outside to move internal members of the engagementdevice and disengage the jaws. Handles, hooks or wedges of V- orC-shaped section, other may be incorporated in either jaw to aid in theuse of the device. Also, the device may itself be incorporated intoanother device to increase availability. Finally, the jaw members may behingedly connected in any number of ways, including the use of a hingestrap.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the invention willbecome more readily apparent to those skilled in the art in view of thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and,together with a general description of the invention given above, andthe detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one of the embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2A is a side view, of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in an unlatched andopen condition ready to receive a bundle.

FIG. 2B is a side view with cutaway, of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in anunlatched and open condition.

FIG. 2C is a side view with cutaway, of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in alatched condition.

FIG. 2B is a detail cutaway of the embodiment of FIG. 2B at thebeginning of the unlatching process.

FIG. 3A is a side view with a cutaway, of an embodiment of the inventionthat is actuated by a central top button, shown in the latchedcondition.

FIG. 3B is a detail side cutaway view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A atthe beginning of the unlatching process.

FIG. 3C is a cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 3A and 3B.

FIG. 3D is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3C showing anembodiment that does not have access to release tabs, in the latchedcondition.

FIG. 3E is a view of the embodiment of FIG. 3D, with the unlatchingprocess having begun.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention inthe latched condition. This embodiment has 2 side buttons.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 4 in theunlatched condition.

FIG. 6A is a cross section as indicated in FIG. 4, with arrows showingthe direction of motion necessary to unlatch.

FIG. 6B is the cross section of FIG. 6A after the initial movement forunlatching, as indicated in FIG. 6A, has taken place.

FIG. 7 is an elevational side cut away view of the embodiment of FIG. 4.

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an embodiment having side teeth.

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of an embodiment having outside teeth.

FIG. 9A is an elevational view of an embodiment with an open surfacehandle.

FIG. 9B is an elevational view of an embodiment with a closed surfacehandle.

FIG. 9C is an embodiment with a closed surface handle with side buttonsat the handle area.

FIG. 9D is an elevational view of an embodiment with a hinge strap,sometimes known as a “living hinge”.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment clipped to a set of earbuds and bundling them.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment clipped to an extensioncord, and alternately a blow dryer or another electrical device.

FIGS. 12 and 12 are views of two embodiments that are integrated with aconsumer device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to FIGS. 1, 2, 2A, and 2B there is shown a handcuff-likeelement 10 having an interior area 11, a cap 12, and a pair of generallyrigid jaw members 14 and 16 each having a proximal hinge end 18, 20 anda distal attachment end 22, 24. Hinge ends 18, 20 are directly connectedtogether and held by a screw 26 or a similar fastening device that mayact as an axle. Additionally, or instead of the screw 26 acting as anaxle, the inside cylindrical surface 28 and the outside cylindricalsurface 30 along with appropriate snap fit confronting faces orshoulders, may create an accurate axle system. The axle system causesjaw members 14 and 16 to self align relative to one another when theyare pivoted between the self sustaining wide open position (FIG. 2A) andthe closed position shown in FIGS. 1 and 2C that encloses the interiorarea 11. Alternately, as illustrated in FIG. 9D below, a hinge strap,also known as a “living hinge” may be used in place of the axle systemto similarly cause the jaws to self align when closed.

Cap 12 rests on shoulder 32 of jaw member 16 and is held in place by apin 34 through holes as shown in cap 12 and jaw member 16, but cap 12could be attached by other methods, for example gluing or ultrasonicwelding. On each side face of the cap are apertures 36 that are in linewith two release tabs 38 that will be described below.

The cap 12 creates a passageway 40 (FIG. 2B) having a retaining surface42 for guiding the attachment end 22. Although jaws 14 and 16 are selfaligning, and so retaining surface 42 is not required to guideattachment end 22 into a closed position, the retaining surface 42 aidsin maintaining a latched condition by its close proximity to attachmentend 22, so that retaining surface 42 opposes flexing of attachment end22 outwardly, such as might occur under forces from a bundle retained byjaw 44. The “outwardly directed forces” would be most prevalent, forinstance, if a person captured an oversized bundle of cord, preventingthe device 10 from closing past just a few teeth of engagement, and thusthe bundle exerts a force against the tooth portion of jaw 14 that maytend to open the jaws. The details of opening and closing of the jawswill be explained later. The outwardly directed forces would be aparticular problem, if an oversized bundle were to receive an additiveforce such as by bumping or dropping of the bundle and device 10. Thisembodiment of the device 10 could function in most circumstances even ifcap 12 were not present, although it may not remain latched as wellunder the situations just described.

Jaw member 14 has a generally smooth retaining surface 44 and fixedteeth 46 on the inner surfaces and an outer press area 48 on the outersurface. Although smooth surfaces are shown in the FIGS., it will beappreciated that teeth 46 or other non-smooth features may extend alongall of jaw member 14, in other embodiments, such that there is not asmooth surface 44.

Jaw member 16 has a generally smooth retaining surface 50 near its hingeend, an outer press area 52 on the outer surface, and a pawl 54 on itsattaching end 24. The pawl has deflecting teeth 56 and the horizontalrelease tabs 38 on each side. The fixed teeth 46 and the deflectingteeth 56 are sized to interlock. Both sets of teeth 46, 56 may bebackward angled as seen most clearly in FIG. 2D, to enhance theirability to pass over each other in the closing direction, but resistmovement in the opening direction. Although multiple teeth 56 are shownin the drawings, a single tooth may perform the desired functionsatisfactorily. As seen most clearly in FIG. 2D, the pawl is at the endof a resilient cantilever portion 58 so that downward force on the topsurface of release tab 38, will cause the deflecting teeth 56 to movetowards the interior of the device 10. It should be noted that there aretwo release tabs 38 but a force on just one of them will deflect theteeth inwardly.

In operation, as with some other handcuff like devices used forbundling, the device is put in the fully open position so that theretaining surfaces 44 and 50 define a bundle receiving space 60 (FIG.2A). The device will remain in this position without any assistance,while the bundled item is placed in the space 60. Once the bundle ispositioned, the user presses on outer press surfaces 48 and 52 to closethe device. During the closing the attachment end 22 enters passageway40 and the teeth 46 make contact with and pass over the teeth 56 (bestseen in FIGS. 2C and 2D) while the pawl 54 flexes as teeth 46 pass overdeflecting teeth 56.

FIG. 2D demonstrates the initiating actions to open the device. Theexposed (as seen exposed in FIG. 1) release tab portion 38 is pushed inthe direction indicated by the arrow toward the interior of the device,such as with a fingernail, so that the deflecting teeth 56 disengagefrom the fixed teeth 46 and then the jaw member 14 is removed frompassageway 40 before the pressure is removed from tab 38. It is onlynecessary to use one of the two release tabs 38, thus, the device isoperable even if access to one of the tabs is blocked, such as by aneighboring wall, a computer rack, or anything nearby.

The embodiment of a device 110 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B may be builtwith all of the same parts as the previous embodiment, except for usinga different cap. Whereas cap 12 of the previous figures allowed thedevice to open only through the use of the two release tabs 38, cap 112of this embodiment additionally offers the user a button or spot 190resiliently cantilevered as part of the cap's top surface 191. Inside ofthe cap (see FIGS. 3C, 3D and 3E), integral to the push button are twotabs 192 that pass near the inside wall of the cap 112, so that when thebutton 190 is depressed the two tabs 192 make contact with the tworelease tabs 38 resulting in the same releasing motion that would beprovided by one or both release tabs being depressed directly.

FIG. 3A shows the device 110 in the latched condition with the teeth 56on the pawl 54 in their raised position, interlocked with teeth 46. Thebutton 190 is approximately flush with the top surface 191 of the cap112. The arrow indicates the direction of movement to press button 190to initiate unlatching.

FIG. 3B shows button 190 being pushed toward the interior of the device110, and tabs 192 are in contact with release tabs 38. Pawl 54 isdeflected toward the interior of the device under the pressure from tabs192, which causes teeth 56 to move toward the interior of the device,and disengage from teeth 46 so that jaw member 14 can be removed frompassageway 40 to complete unlatching.

FIG. 3C is a cross sectional view of the device 110 of FIGS. 3A and 3B.It is latched as in FIG. 3A. This cross sectional view shows two tabs192, apertures 36, and release tabs 38 whereas only one of each isvisible in the preceding views. FIG. 3C also shows the relativethickness of the sidewalls 193 of cap 112, and the apertures 36providing space for the release tabs 38. Spaces 194 between tabs 192 andthe sidewalls of cap 112 are visible. Teeth 46 and 56 are interlockedsince the clamp 10 is shown latched.

FIG. 3D is a cross sectional view similar to FIG. 3C but of analternative embodiment. Again this figure shows the embodiment in alatched condition. In this embodiment there is a cap 312 that does nothave any apertures 36 to provide access to release tabs 38, that is, cap312 fully encloses release tabs 38. The only means provided for openingthe device is the button or spot 190 on the cap's top surface 191.Release tabs 38 are accommodated inside cap 312 by two vertical channels195 inside the cap 312 defined by reduced thickness of the sidewall 193of the cap 312 in the area of the release tabs 38. Optionally, changesmay also be made to reduce the extension of release tabs 38, since it isnot necessary for a finger or fingernail to make contact with releasetabs 38 in this embodiment, although changes to the extensions ofrelease tabs 38 are not necessary if channels 195 are provided.

FIG. 3E illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 3D, with an arrow showing thedirections the button 190 may be pushed to initiate unlatching. Pawl 54has been deflected, and teeth 46 and 56 are disengaged so that thedevice can be opened in the same way as previously described for otherembodiments.

Although this embodiment shows the pawl 54 being actuated by tabs 192being contacted by tabs 192 integral with and approximately directlybelow button 190, other embodiments could be made that move the tabs 192and button 190 to different positions. This change, however, may requirethat the embodiment of FIGS. 3D-3E would use different jaw members 16,unless jaw member 16 was made to accommodate multiple positions of tabs192.

FIGS. 4, 5, 6A and 6B show another embodiment of device 210 thatcombines advantageous aspects from two previously described embodiments.The three digit numbers used in this embodiment with like ending digitsdesignate similar elements as the numbers in the previous embodiments.This embodiment has two side pushbuttons 290 cantilevered in the sidesurface of cap 212 which are actuated for unlatching by pushing eitherone, or both, of the two available buttons on cap 212. Although theappearances of jaw members 214 and 216 look substantially different inthis embodiment when compared to earlier figures having jaw members 14and 16, many of the visual differences are a matter of styling orrelated to the fact that this embodiment shows how the device would lookif it were sized for a small bundle, such as for a set of ear bud cablesas used on small digital music devices that are currently common.Functionally, however, jaw member 214 remains the same, whereas jawmember 216 is changed to accommodate the two side buttons 290.

FIG. 6A is a cross section showing the device 212 in the latchedposition, analogous with FIG. 4. Cap 212 defines a passageway 240 thatdefines on its surface a retaining surface 242. Jaw member 214 hasattaching end 222 and teeth 246. Jaw member 216 has pawl 254, deflectingteeth 256, and tabs 238. Teeth 246 are interlocked with teeth 256. Tabs238 do not have a top face as did release tabs 38, but instead haveangled side faces 239. The reason for these angled side faces can bestbe understood by describing the unlatching actuation as follows.

Two arrows in FIG. 6A show the buttons 290 being depressed towards thepawl 254 so that the device will unlatch. The lower inner corner 292 ofeither or both of buttons 290 makes contact with angled surface 239,causing pawl 254 to deflect toward the interior of the device asindicated by the arrow.

FIG. 6B shows the same cross section as FIG. 6A with the followingdifferences: Buttons 290 have moved towards each other and the pawl 254and deflecting teeth 256 have moved inwardly and disengaged from teeth246. The device is ready to be opened by moving the jaw member 214 outof the passageway 240.

FIG. 7 is shows a side partial sectional view of the device 210 in thelatched position.

FIG. 8A shows yet another embodiment of the invention. A device 310 isshown having a jaw member 314 that has teeth 346 that are disposed onthe side of the jaw member rather than on the inward surface as in theother embodiments. A side button 390 is pushed to begin unlatching thedevice, using internal structures such as those shown in FIGS. 3D and3E.

FIG. 8B shows yet another embodiment of the invention. A device 410 isshown having a jaw member 414 that has teeth 446 that are disposed onthe outside of the jaw member rather than on the inward surface as inthe other embodiments. A side button 490 is pushed to begin unlatchingthe device, using internal structures such as those shown in FIGS. 6Aand 6B.

FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of a size similar to that of FIG. 4, butusing two side buttons such as those in the embodiment of FIGS. 4, 5,6A, 6B and 7. A frame 294 has been added to so that a person's fingerscould pass through or grip the open area 296 and frame 294 to provide aneasy way for a person to carry device 212 and its contents. Frame 294could be roughened or knurled to assist in gripping. A handle such asthe one formed by frame 294 is especially convenient when the size ofthe device 210 is small, in which case grasping the combination of thedevice and a bundle could result in accidentally depressing a button290, causing the device 210 to unlatch. The frame 294 and open area 296also forms a convenient way to hang a bundle and device combination. Forinstance, a coiled extension cord, captured by the device 210, could behung on peg on a garage wall by passing open area 296 over the peg.

FIG. 9B shows an embodiment with two side buttons as in FIG. 9A, inwhich, instead of a frame 294 creating an open space 296, a grippingwall 298 is provided. Wall 298 may be knurled or roughened to facilitategripping.

FIG. 9B further illustrates optional wedges 300 a, 300 b and 300 cincorporated into wall 298, used for mounting the device. Wedges maymount the device onto the object to be bundled (such as a headphone orextension cord) or to another cylindrically-shaped item such as a peg ina pegboard. The device may incorporate wedge structures of varying sizesthus allowing the user to select the wedge 300 that is sized toaccommodate the particular size of cord or tubular structure to attachto the device. The use and operation of wedge structures is disclosed indetail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,774,945, which is hereby incorporated hereinin its entirety. By selecting a wedge 300 that is slightly smaller thanthe cord or tubular structure, sufficient friction may be generated toprevent the cord or tubular structure from sliding in the wedge. On theother hand, if such sliding is desired, a wedge that is slightly largerthan the cord or tubular structure may be selected.

FIG. 9C shows an embodiment as in FIGS. 9A or 9B except that in thiscase there are two optional walls rather than just one as shown in FIG.9B. The necessary internal workings for the two buttons are situatedbetween the two walls. The two walls may define therein various wedgessuch as 300 d and 300 e illustrated in FIG. 9C. One way of constructingthis embodiment is for the jaw member 216 to be able to accommodate abigger cap 412. The internal workings can include structures extendingfrom the buttons that reach to the pawl, or the pawl can be made largerto extend to the buttons.

FIG. 9D shows a further alternate embodiment 510 having jaw members 514,516 that are integrally joined by a hinge strap or “living hinge” 526.This integral resilient hinge 526 performs the same alignment functionas the screw 26 or cylindrical portion 30 disclosed in the embodimentsof earlier figures. The contour at 526 can be of many shapes, and it isa function of the materials, thicknesses and curvatures used for aparticular design of clamp 510. Although this hinge strap is only shownin this FIG. 9D, the concept can be used for any of the deviceembodiments shown.

FIG. 10 shows a method of use for any one of the embodiments such asdevice 10. Any one of the embodiments can be provided with one or morehooks 62 that could be of a variety of shapes and at a variety oflocations either in the interior 11 of elsewhere on the device. Thishook could either removably, or permanently, attach the device 10 to anobject 64 suitable for bundling. Other embodiments might use a wedge asdescribed above to grip the cord being bundled, or other parts of thedevice 64. The device 64 shown in FIG. 10 is a set of ear buds andattached cords, as typically used for listening to music from portableaudio devices.

FIG. 11 shows another example of an environment of use similar to thatshown in FIG. 10. In this example the device 62 is an electrical device,such as a power drill, blow dryer, or extension cord. Any corded deviceor other device in need of bundling (such as a piece of rope) could bebundled in the manner shown in this drawing.

FIG. 12 shows an example of a device 210 permanently or removablyattached to an object 65 that uses a cord 64 needing bundling. In thisembodiment the device 210 is attached to the object 65 rather than tothe cord 64 that needs bundling.

FIG. 12A shows a further embodiment, in which an object 66 incorporatesinto its structure, a device 610 utilizing principles previouslyillustrated. Specifically, the device 610 creates a space 11 in which,for example, a cord 64 may be bundled. Whereas in previous embodiments,for example the embodiment 210 (FIG. 12) included two jaw members suchas 214 and 216, in the present embodiment, only one jaw member 614 maybe included. The functional portions, such as the pawl 54 and movingteeth 56 of the jaw member 216 shown in previous embodiments, areincorporated within the body of the object 66. Button 690 is outwardlyvisible and leads to internal moving parts controlling pawl 54 asdiscussed with reference to prior embodiments. In FIG. 12A, jaw member614 has fixed teeth 646 on the inner surface, and button 690 moves apawl into and out of engagement with teeth 646, similar to button 290 ofprevious figures. Alternatively, a button such as 190 of FIG. 3A may beused along with side teeth (such as 346 in FIG. 8A). Similarly, teeth onthe outer surface of jaw 614 (such as teeth 446 in FIG. 8B) could beused on jaw member 614, with appropriate arrangement of a pawl tointerlock with those teeth.

Although FIGS. 12 and 12A shown a portable music player that does nothave a protective carrying case, in many examples of these portableplayers, the user may elect to use an exterior case surrounding thedevice for decorative and/or protective reasons. The principles of thisinvention, shown in FIGS. 12 and 12A, may be applied to a carrying caseas readily as to the object itself; that is, the device 210 may beattached to a case and/or a device 610 may be integrated into a case.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description ofone or more embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have beendescribed in considerable detail, they are not intended to restrict orin any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail.Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to thoseskilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is thereforenot limited to the specific details, representative apparatus and methodand illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departuresmay be made from such details without departing from the generalinventive concept.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for handling or storing one or moreitems, comprising: a pair of generally rigid jaw members each having ahinge end and an outer end, the jaw members being connected together attheir hinge ends, such that the jaw members (i) have a first, openposition in which the outer ends are spaced apart to define a receivingspace and inner surfaces of the jaws are generally not facing oneanother, (ii) have a plurality of second, closed positions in which theouter ends are nearer to one another and inner surfaces of the jaws arein confronting relationship, and (iii) are self aligned such that theouter ends automatically engage one another upon applying pressure uponthe outer surfaces, and an engagement device incorporated into an outerend of one jaw member, having an engaging position in which theengagement device is engaged to an outer surface of the other jawmember, and a disengaged position, the engagement device including arelease member that is moveable toward the hinge ends of the jaw membersto move the engagement device between the engaging and a disengagedposition.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the outer jaw surface engagedby said engagement device comprises a plurality of teeth.
 3. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the engagement device comprises a latch member havingat least one tooth for engaging said outer surface of the other jawmember.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the latch member comprises aplurality of teeth for engaging teeth on said outer surface.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the release member of said engagement deviceincludes an internal and an external movable member, the movable membermovable relative to a jaw member and including a cam for engaging andmoving an internal member of said engagement device.
 6. The device ofclaim 1 wherein an outer press surface of one said jaw member includes ahandle portion extending away from said jaw member.
 7. The device ofclaim 6 wherein said handle portion comprises a loop extending away fromsaid jaw member and defining an aperture therethrough.
 8. The device ofclaim 6 wherein said handle portion is incorporated within the jawmember including said engagement device.
 9. The device of claim 6wherein said handle portion is incorporated within the jaw member notincluding said engagement device.
 10. The device of claim 1 wherein anouter surface of one said jaw member includes a hook member extendingaway from said jaw member.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein said hookmember is sized to engage an item inserted between said jaw members. 12.The device of claim 10 wherein said hook member is V-shaped.
 13. Thedevice of claim 10 wherein said hook member is C-shaped.
 14. The deviceof claim 1 wherein the jaw members are integrally connected by a hingestrap.